Kositsky vies for Langley Township council seat

Longtime Langley Township councillor and former mayoral candidate Mel Kositsky is hoping to get back on the council this fall.

Kositsky served on council from 1993 to 2011, for 18 years. In 2011 he was one of three mayoral contenders, coming in second in the vote tally to Jack Froese.

â€œDoing more with less is a priority as Langley residents have reached the boiling point when it comes to taxation levels, user fees and tolls,â€ Kositsky said in a statement. â€œAn updated long-term financial plan will be required based on todayâ€™s economic conditions and expectations.â€

He said one of the key issues for the Township is managing growth and related problems, including transportation and public safety.

He suggested more crime prevention initiatives are needed to help keep policing costs down.

â€œThere was much too much confrontation and too many expensive legal battles during the past term,â€ Kositsky said. â€œThis cannot continue.â€

During his time on council, Kositsky was involved with groups such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Union of B.C. Municipalities, and the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, as well as serving on the Metro Vancouver parks committee.

He is a board member of the Pacific Parklands Foundation.

His career before politics included working as a reporter and newspaper editor, and he currently writes freelance for publications geared at seniors.